Residents of Osun State have criticized the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) for the disorganized conduct of the local government elections.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, several voters expressed frustration over the absence of OSSIEC ad hoc staff at many polling units, which prevented them from exercising their civic rights.
At Unit 11, Ward 3, Asubuaro in Osogbo, a voter, Tinumola Tijani, described the situation as disappointing, noting that she arrived at her polling station before 9:00 a.m. but found no officials present.
“The election did not meet voters’ expectations. I came early to vote, but no one was available to facilitate the process,” she stated.
Similarly, Yemi Akindele, a voter at Unit 17, Ward 4, Cele Junction, Owode-Ede, decried the absence of OSSIEC officials, labeling the election a “charade.”
“I made the effort to arrive early, but no electoral officers were present. This is truly disheartening,” he lamented.
Reports from polling units across Ife, Osogbo, Obokun, and Owode-Ede indicated that many stations lacked the presence of election officials.
However, in Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s hometown, a few polling units had OSSIEC officials in attendance.
At Obalaoye Grammar School, Unit 2, Ward 4, voters were seen queuing as early as 8:00 a.m. to cast their ballots.
A similar situation was observed at Oloba Atapara, Unit 6, Ward 1, where some voters underwent accreditation.
Despite restrictions on vehicular movement from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., many residents ignored the directive, as vehicles moved freely across the state. Businesses also operated as usual, with traders and shop owners going about their activities.
By 10:30 a.m., voting had concluded in most polling units visited.